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Three Kings Parade to Bring Magic to Villajoyosa with New Route and Festive Highlights

Villajoyosa / 2 January 2026

One of the most magical nights of the year for children and adults alike is fast approaching, as Villajoyosa prepares to welcome the Three Wise Men with its traditional Three Kings Parade, taking place on Sunday 5 January at 6.30pm. This year’s event will feature several new elements, including a revised parade route and special greetings from key landmarks around the town.

For 2026, the parade will follow a new route, starting from Plaza de la Generalitat, continuing along Avenida País Valencià and Barranquet, and concluding at Parque de la Barbera. One of the highlights will be the greeting from Their Majesties from the Torreón de la Costera la Mar, adding an extra touch of excitement ahead of the main procession.

Organised by the Department of Festivals, the parade will involve more than 400 participants and will be led by the Royal Ambassador, who will announce the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar to the town. The procession will also include heralds, Herod, the Royal Postman, standard bearers, royal pages and a representation of the town of Bethlehem.

Music and dance will play a central role in the celebrations, with performances by the Societat Ateneu Musical, Agrupación Musical Mediterráneo, the folk group Els Valerios, and the Centener and Almadrava dance groups. Dance displays will also be provided by local ballet schools Danza Evi Ruiz, Tribalia Danza and Yabai Dance Studio, as well as members of the La Vila Joiosa Rhythmic Gymnastics Club.

The parade also benefits from the collaboration of local cultural associations, including the Moors and Christians companies Artilleria de l’Islam and Llauradors, holders of the two reigns this year, along with the Santa Marta Association.

This year’s Three Kings will be portrayed by prominent local representatives:

King Melchior – Juan Lloret, Moorish King 2026 from Artilleria de l’Islam
King Gaspar – Marta Llinares, Christian Queen 2026 from Llauradors
King Balthazar – Cristóbal, a local resident

On arrival at La Barbera, Their Majesties will greet the public from the balconies of the house-museum before meeting children in the magical gardens of the estate.

Councillor for Festivals Jaime Santamaría explained that “this year’s Three Kings Parade includes several new features, such as a change of route and additional surprises for children.” He highlighted that emissaries of the Three Kings will greet families from the Torreón de la Costera la Mar before the parade begins at 6.00pm.

The Three Wise Men will also visit La Cala, where a royal parade, organised in collaboration with Finestrat Town Council, will start at 6.00pm from Avenida Marina Baixa, continuing along Avenida Mariners de la Vila and ending at Avenida Rosa dels Vents.

Additional Festive Activities

The Christmas celebrations continue throughout the weekend. On 3 January at 5.00pm, the Royal Postman will arrive, departing from the Santa Marta Hospital-Asylum and travelling to La Barbera, where children will be able to hand over their letters and wishes. The Royal Camp will also be open to visitors, offering surprises for the whole family.

The Royal Camp at La Barbera will be open again on 4 January from 6.00pm.

In addition, La Barbera will host the Roman historical re-enactment FESTUM ALONIS, featuring an Augustan-era military camp on 3 and 4 January, open from 11.00am to 1.30pm.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.